Fall Management Program

Why Do We Need to Assign a Special Risk Factor to Falls?

A fall is a typical event in our younger, more active years. Minor scratches and bruises are all part of growing up, of course. However, as we get on in years, many conditions can contribute to an unstable feeling and result in a fall that can cause physical and emotional damage. Falls and the injuries they cause are the number one concern for seniors and their families. Because at MediLodge of Grand Blanc. "It is our business to care,” we take falls and, most importantly, preventing them very seriously.

As there are many reasons that falls among seniors happen, there are intrinsic and extrinsic factors as guidelines for care staff. As an example and general guide, the most common ones are listed here. Why we need this list is very telling. Firstly, it helps us prepare our “fall determination assessment.” You will notice that many of these factors may overlap in certain patients, which definitely goes into account when we determine these “markers.” Additionally, we take questions. We ask questions such as "Where did any previous falls take place?" "How long after eating, bathing, or taking a medication did the fall occur?" and "Were there any pre-existing conditions that could have contributed to the fall?"

Common Fall Risk Factors:

Effects of aging on gait, balance, and strength

Acute medical conditions

Chronic diseases

Deconditioning from inactivity

Behavioral symptoms and unsafe behaviors

Medication side effects

Extrinsic fall risk factors

Environmental hazards

Unsafe lighting or equipment

Unsafe personal care items

How Can We Help to Prevent Falls in Our Patients?

As you can see from this list, there are glaringly obvious and equally hidden underlying reasons for falls. Surely, we can easily make a bedroom less difficult to navigate, but we cannot remove a heart-regulation drug. Nonetheless, this assessment helps us determine which patients will need the most guidance and assistance. Some people need a nurse nearby every time they are on the move if their risk factors have revealed that this is necessary. On the other hand, others may need help only when moving to and from a lying position. We believe that personalized patient knowledge is the key to injury and illness prevention. As always at MediLodge of Grand Blanc, we have the most diverse and customized care!

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Corporate Compliance / Non-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of this facility to fully comply with all federal and state laws governing fraud and abuse in healthcare programs and to expect all employees, contractors, and consultants to conduct themselves in an ethical and responsible manner. This facility does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, past/present history of mental disorder, or age in admission or access to treatment or employment in programs and activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Other agency guidelines prohibit discrimination on the basis of creed, marital status and sex.